What may happen if the duties on goods are not paid?

If duties on goods are not paid, the customs authorities have the right to take action to recover the outstanding amounts. One such action could be selling the goods at auction. This process allows customs to recoup some of the lost revenue from unpaid duties by selling the goods to the highest bidder. This is a standard procedure in customs enforcement to ensure compliance with the payment obligations imposed on importers when bringing goods into the country.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of failing to pay duties. The immediate release of goods to the owner would contradict the enforcement mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. An expedited customs process is unlikely when duties are unpaid, as outstanding payments typically cause delays rather than accelerations in processing. Similarly, being exempt from penalties does not align with the principles of customs law, which generally imposes penalties for non-compliance with payment obligations. Thus, selling the goods at auction serves as a remedy for customs to enforce financial accountability on the part of importers.